TUNISON, Gilbert Lawrence

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, June 22, 2003

TUNISON, Gilbert Lawrence - We introduce to you our father, Gilbert Lawrence Tunison. He was born in Rockford, IL, October 28, 1919, the son of Raymond and Kathryn Tunison. Dad's parents were deaf and mute and each had only one leg. Dad left grammar school and was headed toward joining a street gang but changed direction when a teacher encouraged him to return to school. He learned to play the piano and this skill became his early career. His parents (who could never hear him play) bought Dad his first piano. He received a Bachelor's Degree in music and became a concert pianist in the Santa Cruz-San Francisco area until he was about age thirty. Then he returned to education to earn his Masters Degree in Public Health. Dad worked for the U. S. Public Health Department and especially loved working with Indian and migrant communities. Dad created community based clinics throughout seven western states which became the model for the Health Maintenance Organizations. Dad lectured in HMO structures at universities in the San Francisco area for many years. Dad loved tools, building and always his music. Before he was thirty, Dad built an amazing three-story house in Santa Cruz by trading piano lessons for wood and tools. Later in life he became fascinated with computers. He built computers for his daughters before they were available for purchase. Our father died peacefully in his Eureka home on June 5, 2003. His memories continue with his three daughters: Jeanne Arlene Tunison-Campbell, Trinka Margua Simon and Rura Ann Griffith; ten grandchildren: Ed, Andrea, Jennifer, Desi, David, Karen, Becky, Katy, Emily and Benjamin, and four great grandchildren: Samantha, Zachary, Jonathan, and Kathryn. We thank everyone who touched Dad's life. Dad always liked to think that he did a good job. Dad, you did do a great job! Thank you. Gilbert Lawrence Tunison's daughters. Dad requested no service. Inurnment is at Ocean View Cemetery, Eureka, CA. Anyone wishing a further remembrance may do so through Hospice of Humboldt. Arrangements are under the direction of SANDERS FUNERAL HOME.